REX BEGONIAS 
GENERAL NOTES ON BEGONIAS—This family of plants contains some of the finest varieties 
suitable both for the home, and for growing out doors in mild climates. They come in every 
size, so that no gardener should be without at least one Begonia. The Tuberous Begonias 
are grown for their very large, showy flowers, the Rex Begonias for their magnificent 
foliage, and the rest of the family because they are superb plants. All Begonias bloom, the 
sprays of lacy flowers being held erect, and the male and female flowers are borne on 
separate stems. Colors range from white through various shades of pink, to gorgeous red. 
The soil mixture recommended for Rexes suits the other kinds very well. Supplementary 
feeding should take place about twice a month, except in the winter months, when the plants 
take a slight rest. They do not lose their foliage, however. Repotting should be done in 
the spring. 
While we grow many other varieties than those listed, these are the most popular with 
the people who see them. Our Rex collection is also very large, but we have tried to list 
only those which are truly distinctive in every way. Some are old, others are new, but all 
are beautiful. While there are hundreds of named Rexes, we have set a high standard 
for any we add to our collection. Colors must be clear, good growing habits are essential, 
and they must not resemble too closely other varieties of proven worth. We are always 
interested in any kinds we do not have, so if you have a variety which is truly outstanding, 
and would like to exchange either plants or leaves, please write us. Also when ordering 
Rexes, please give a second choice, as we may be sold out of a variety you want, and we 
much prefer giving you sometthing you do not already have, than in sending a duplicate. 
We would like to suggest that all persons interested in this “Royal Hobby’, join the 
American Begonia Society. A monthly illustrated magazine is sent to all members. Dues 
are $1.50 per year. 
Address 
ELMER LORENZ, Membership Secretary 
Box 2544, Los Angeles 54, California 
We also heartily recommend the illustrated book “Begonias and How to Grow Them” 
by Bessie Buxton, priced at $2.50, which we will mail you postpaid. 
REX BEGONIAS—These superb plants which are grown for thei exquisitely colored foliage are 
welcomed by every plant enthusiast. They may be grown indoors as house plants during 
cold weather, and the pots plunged in the ground outdoors during summer. In mild climates 
they are ideal planted in a lath house, under trees or any partially shaded location. They 
like filtered sunlight, yet do equally well in full shade. Some of the larger growing varieties 
are beautiful in hanging baskets. In the house a north window or an east one, provided 
the glass is covered with a sheer curtain, will suit them. The following notes on culture 
should give even the beginner every chance of success. 
CULTURE—Soil mixture should consist of three parts leaf mold, one part old manure, one part peat 
moss, one part sand. Mix thoroughly. When planting take care not to disturb the fine 
roots, but place soil lightly in pot. Then submerge pot half way in container of luke warm 
water, thus permitting water to settle the soil. Add more soil as needed. Pots should be kept 
moist at all times. No Begonia likes strong wind nor full sun. If exposed to either, leaves 
will turn brown and shrivel. Sprinkle the foliage gently on warm days, but do not allow 
water to remain on the leaves overnight. The amount of light has a great deal to do with 
the coloring in the leaves, some kinds deepen and intensify the coloring in full shade while 
others need strong light for their best showing. So try your plants in different locations, 
and notice the difference. Thrips sometimes attack these plants, but spraying with a good 
insecticide will easily eliminate them. 
NOMENCLATURE—A great deal of confusion exists as to the proper names of these plants, therefore 
we can not assume responsibility for the correctness of the names in our lists. However, 
Mr. Rudolph Ziesenhenne, our good friend, has been of inestimable help in the identifica- 
tion of our collection, and we wish to extend our sincere thanks to him. 
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